Experimental diabetes pill boosts muscle metabolism without appetite suppression
8 reported
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet and Stockholm University have developed an experimental pill for type 2 diabetes and obesity that works by activating metabolism in skeletal muscle rather than reducing appetite. The findings, published in the journal Cell, describe a laboratory-developed molecule known as a β2 agonist that improved blood sugar regulation and body composition in animal studies. A Phase I clinical trial involving 48 healthy volunteers and 25 people with type 2 diabetes found the treatment was safe and well tolerated. Unlike GLP-1 drugs such as Ozempic, which are injected and influence appetite signals, this treatment is taken as a tablet. Researchers believe the drug could be used alone or in combination with existing therapies. The next step is a larger Phase II clinical trial led by Atrogi AB, the company developing the drug. Several authors of the study are employed by Atrogi AB or own shares in the company, and Tore Bengtsson is the founder and chief scientific officer of Atrogi AB.
What’s reported
The experimental pill activates metabolism inside skeletal muscle, not appetite signals.
It is taken as a tablet, not an injection.
A Phase I trial included 48 healthy volunteers and 25 people with type 2 diabetes.
The treatment was found to be safe and well tolerated in the early trial.
The drug is built around a laboratory-developed molecule called a β2 agonist.
Researchers believe it could be used alone or alongside GLP-1 drugs.
The next step is a Phase II clinical trial led by Atrogi AB.
Several authors are employed by Atrogi AB or own shares in the company; Tore Bengtsson is founder and chief scientific officer of Atrogi AB.
Key figures
Tore Bengtsson, professor at the Department of Molecular Bioscience, Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University
Shane C. Wright, assistant professor at the Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet
Atrogi AB, the company developing the drug
Sources: ScienceDaily
